“You’re not a burden. Just,” I said, cursing. “This is my final year. Then I’ll get that bonus and get you out of there. Wherever you want. The beach, Vegas, New York. I’m not kidding, Grandma, I’m moving your stubborn ass out of there.”
She sniffed, and my heart ached. Tears were my weakness. My breath deepened, and anxiety billowed under my skin, matching me itch. My brain went intofix it at all costsmode. “I can send more money somehow—”
“Hush. You hush. I sniffed because I have allergies.”
“No, you don’t.”
“For both our sakes, let’s say that’s it. I hate that you have to take care of me, Luca.”
“Why? You’re the reason I’m here, playing football. You’re the reason I’m alive.”
The door opened and closed, and I whipped around to find Lorelei standing there, wide-eyed and lips parted. My grandma spoke again, but all I could think about was how much had she heard? Would she judge me? Ask questions? Laugh?
I opened my mouth to say anything, but she took off, ducking her head and jumping off the porch and onto the sidewalk. Her departure should’ve pleased me, but instead, an uncomfortable lump formed in my gut.
“You hear what I said, Luca?”
Shit.Perfect example why staying away from Lorelei was a must—I could never say or do the right thing. Guilt ate at me from her thinking I hated her, but I didn’t have time to rectify it. Football would always come first.
CHAPTERFIVE
Lorelei
The three words best used to describe me were dedicated, movie-obsessed, and superstitious. Not like a cute littlemake a wish on a yellow lightperson. More of a… I wouldn’t wash my socks if I kept playing well or my sports bra. I’d do the same pre-game ritual every time or I convinced myself I’d have a bad game. I’d make sure to take the same walk to the field, listen to the same four songs, and wear my hair the same.
I took no chances in messing up the universe. If that meant my socks smelled a little but my stats kept getting better, then that was a small price to pay. Did I also kiss my lucky penny I found when I was seven at the zoo? Sure did. Everything was set, except I needed to grab a snack before our game at 1.
Protein and hydration were key.
Despite playing soccer for fifteen years, the pre-game nerves never went away. I could feel my pulse all the way to my toes, and the adrenaline… I might be a junkie for it. The rush? The way my senses went into overdrive? I craved it.
I felt similar about horror movies in October, but that was different.
Mack: I hate Angela’s face.
I snickered at Mack’s text. Her ex-boyfriend from high school had cheated on her with one of the players we faced later, and yeah, don’t let anyone tell youmen’ssoccer was rougher. The women’s game was filthy, and Mack might have a sweet face, but she’d leave a body on the field if she could.
Lo: Channel that anger bb.
Mack: It’s been three years, but I’m still so pissed.
Lo: Anger doesn’t have a time limit.
My ponytail sat high, the same elastic band fraying on the edge. It was my lucky one, and if it broke… no, I couldn’t think like that. Coach wanted us there hours early to talk strategy and make sure we were warmed up, mentally and physically.
I rolled my shoulders back a few times, a little stiffness on my leg arm from carrying those bags yesterday. Annoyed, I scoffed as I went through my bags to find some Tylenol. I would only take one to help, then after the game I’d ice and see our trainer. But where the hell was the medicine?
After a five-minute search of my stuff, I sighed. Someone else in the house would have to have some, but the thought of leaving my room sent a different kind of trepidation through me.
I didn’t want to run into Luca. At all.
Be brave, you little chicken.I chewed the center of my lip before saying screw it. I was a grown, strong woman, and yes, Luca made me nervous with his scowl and intimidating glare, but I’d run away from him. Yeah, great plan.
I could stare down a girl bigger than me on the field, so a grumpy uptight tight end would not make me cower.
With one final breath, I cracked my bedroom door open and relaxed. His door was cracked and his room empty. He was gone. I did a little jig of excitement just as Callum came up the stairs.
“Oh, hi there,” I said, flashing him a grin.
